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How To Stop Your Dog From Digging

2012-03-10T00:02:00.000-05:00

Have you ever gone outside and found large holes in your yard? Is your yard starting to look like the moon with all of those craters? This can be very frustrating, but as always you must not let your dog know that you are frustrated, because they will get frustrated as well. This type of behavior can put a strain on the relationship between you and your dog, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. When trying to correct this behavior, you need to find out why you’re dog is digging. Most of us will jump to the conclusion that our dog is doing this because they are being bad or mischievous. That is not the case. Most likely your dog is digging because they are bored and are looking for something to keep them occupied. Do you take your dog for daily walks? If your answer is no, then you should start. If your answer is yes then they may just need a longer, more strenuous walk. Here are some other reasons why dogs dig:

· They are trying to seek attention

· Lack of exercise

· They are digging to keep themselves cool. (When the weather is hot they may dig a couple inches or a foot to get to to cooler ground).

· They may be attracted to smells in your yard. (fertilizers)

· If they are digging under your fence, they may be trying to get out. (Dogs that spend the majority of their time inside or just in the yard are very curious about the rest of the world that they haven't experienced and they just want to explore it).

Once you’ve pinpointed why your dog is digging, you need to channel that energy into something positive. You could start by exercising them more often. Once they burn off their excess energy, you will notice that the digging will slow down and eventually stop. If that method is not working fast enough you can try this trick that I found out about (I did both the exercise and this trick together and it worked pretty quickly). A trick that I used when my dogs were younger was to allow them to dig in a specific area until I could get them to stop digging completely. I purchased a small kiddie pool for less than $10 and I went to the hardware store and purchased a couple bags of sand. Basically, I gave them their own sandbox to dig in and I would hide their toys in the bottom of it and they would dig in that all day. This saved my yard and eventually the digging stopped all together. By giving your dog something to do and spending more time with them, you will notice a complete change in your dog’s destructive behavior.

*Remember that a learned behavior cannot be fixed in a day. Some dogs learn faster than others and will stop almost immediately while others could take weeks or months. Just be persistent and your dog will come around.

Turning Energetic And Destructive Dog Behavior Into Something Positive

Correcting Vs. Punishing Your Dogs Bad Behavior

Dog Behavior: Destructive Dogs

Funny Friday - Cat Steals Dog's Bed

2012-03-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

credit: Ziotinozioto

Dogs And Kids

2012-03-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

As a parent and a dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure a safe environment for both your pet and your children. It is very important that you supervise small children while they are playing with dogs even if the dog is friendly. After doing a short search on the internet, I found that according to the Humane Society, 50% of children in the United States will get bit before the age of twelve. Many of these dog bites are not directly the fault of the dog or the child. It can be brought on by the child provoking them or miscommunication between the dog and the child. In the case of the child, they may inadvertently hurt the dog by pulling on them or playing too rough. While the dog may not be intending to hurt the child, accidents can happen when a dog feels threatened. Here are some important tips that you should teach your children about dog safety:

Never touch a dog that you don’t know.
Never invade a dog’s space. Let them come to you.
Never stare a dog in the eye.
Don’t allow your children to ride, pull or tease a dog.
Do not touch a dog or its food while eating.
Do not take a toy away from a dog while it is playing with it.
Don’t startle a sleeping dog.
Always ask permission to pet a dog.

Dog Training Mistakes

2012-03-06T00:02:00.001-05:00

As a first time dog owner, many mistakes can be made while training your dog. These mistakes are simple yet they can have a great effect on our dogs which can set back your training. Too often the owner becomes frustrated and writes the dog off as being un-trainable. Some of these training mistakes include:

· Waiting too long to correct your dog. If you correct them long after they make a mistake, they will believe that you disciplining them for what they are doing at that particular time.

· Constantly repeating the command. Repeating the command will not create a dog that is responsive and precise. The dog will believe that they can execute the command after the second or third time.

· Expecting too much too soon. Your dog will not execute commands overnight. You will need to be patient. Successful dog training requires time, continued training and practice.

Once you avoid these simple mistakes you will be very successful in your training.
Related Articles:
Turning Energetic And Destructive Behavior Into Something Positive
Destructive Dogs
Correcting vs. Punishing Your Dog's Bad Behavior
When Should I Start Training My Puppy
Why Training Your Dog At An Early Age Is Important

Teaching Your Dog Their Name And "Come"

2012-03-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

  Just like teaching your dog to stay can save its life, teaching your dog their name can have the same effect. A dog that knows its name will come to you when you call him/her. This can be taught to your dog the moment you bring them home. I personally believe that these two commands should be the first one’s that you teach.

            To get started you need to know what your dog likes whether it is food, toys, affection, etc. Once you know what motivates your dog you can start training him/her. Also, you may want to do this in an enclosed area so that you don’t have to chase the puppy/dog around. (Training your dog their name and the “Come” command work simultaneously so you can interchange them while training. You can also use them together for example; “Simba, come!”).

1.         First you need to let your dog walk away from you and explore. (You should use a leash at first so that you can bring them back to you).

2.         When you know they aren’t paying attention to you call their name with an excited voice to get them to come back to you. If they don’t come back you can bring them back to you by slowly and gently pulling their leash back.

3.         As soon as they come back to you reward them with whatever it is that motivates them like I discussed earlier(you have to be fun and exciting). It can be food, praise, toys, etc.

4.         Repeat this until they are coming to you consistently when you call them.

Helpful Hint: Use your dog’s name at all times when talking to him/her, and with all commands.

Things you should avoid: Using your dog’s name in a negative manner. You never want to yell at your dog using their name or tell them “NO” while using their name. This will make your dog not want to respond to its name.

Funny Friday - Talking Dogs

2012-03-02T00:01:00.001-05:00

credit: grafx77

Why Training Your Dog At An Early Age Is Important

2012-03-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

Training your dog at any age is important because it will build a strong bond between you and your dog; it will keep your dog safe and safe you a lot of headaches. The reason it is smart to start with them early is that they are like sponges, they soak up everything that you teach them. Also, this will lead to less bad habits that you will have to fix later.

When most people get their puppies all they want to do is play with them. Although playing is good you need to set boundaries while playing. While a puppy biting you might be cute and not hurt, that puppy will grow into a bigger dog with teeth that can hurt. There are two ways that you can handle this. The first one is; tell your dog “NO” and turn away for a few seconds. This will make your dog understand that when they bite or put their mouth on you playtime stops. The other way to stop this behavior is to make a loud cry or shriek when they put their mouth on you. I have witnessed this with my dogs and others and it lets the other dog know that it is playing too rough.

If you plan on crate training your dog, starting right away is essential. From the first day you bring your dog home you need to introduce the crate. You can lure them in there with food or a toy and keep them in there for short periods of time at first, and slowly increase the amount of time. If you don’t do this early it could be harder with a larger dog. Even though it is possible to train your dog at any age it is always best and easiest to train them when they are young.

In my opinion there a few commands that should be taught as soon as possible. They are:

Come – This is the most important because this could save your dog’s life. If your dog is chasing something into the street you want to be able to stop them and make them come to you before they get to the street.

Stay – This falls in with the “come” command. If you have your dog stay next to you, you don’t have to worry about him/her running into the street chasing things.

Training your dog these two commands could possibly save its life.

You can apply this information to a young puppy or a new dog of any age. The main point is to start early and stick with it. Over time your dog will understand and you will enjoy an obedient dog.

When Should I Start Training My Puppy?

2012-03-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

You may think that you should wait until your puppy is mature to begin training, but that is far from the truth. Training should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home; the earlier the better. You should teach them the house rules or they will use their imagination and teach themselves. This is also the time when you should build a strong bond with your puppy so that when they get older, training will be easier. Here are a few ways you can build a strong bond with your puppy:

Take your puppy out on regular outings. This also helps them become socialized.
Groom your puppy daily and get them used to being handled. This will help later with things like clipping nails and bathing.
Train your puppy daily. No matter what you train, make sure you are exciting and keep their attention.You can also train them away from the house so they get used to being in multiple environments.
Get them used to your routines, and make sure you stick to them.

Puppies grow very quickly so make sure that you have urgency for training and socialization. There should be no wasting time. Just like humans, an adult dog’s behavior is shaped from when they were young. If you feel as though you are overwhelmed and need assistance with your puppy, you can seek help from a professional dog trainer.

Meet Our New Puppy Astro

2012-02-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?

2012-02-28T05:55:00.001-05:00

Why should you bathe your dog? Bathing your dog keeps their coat shiny and healthy. It gets rid of any dandruff or dander you pet may have accumulated. Most importantly, bathing removes fleas and any other insects. You dog will look and smell great after their bath.
How often should you bathe your dog? I believe this depends on the type of activities your dog is involved in. Dogs that mostly stay inside and only come out to use the bathroom or go for a short walk won’t have to get bathed as much as a dog who is very active and spends most of their time outdoors. Bathing a dog too often will strip off their natural oils resulting in dry itchy skin. It is recommended that you should bathe your dog every two weeks to a month depending on their activities.

Bathing can be a fun or stressful time for you and your pet. If your dog isn’t accustomed to water they may become frightened and try to escape during bath time. If you are bathing them for the first time whether you do it indoors or outdoors, you should slowly introduce them to the water. You can slowly run the water on them and praise them when they stay. This may take a few tries but once you are gentle with them and have patience, bath time will eventually get a lot easier.

Dealing With Dog Hair/Fur

2012-02-27T08:05:00.000-05:00

As a dog owner you probably notice your dog’s hair in your clothes, house, or car. This can become a nuisance or if you are allergic, it can cause your asthma or allergies to flare up. As for me, I’m constantly vacuuming Simba's hair all over the house. To help control this problem you should make sure that your dog is well groomed by brushing them daily. Brushing will help to pull out the dead hair from your dog’s coat which can also cause matting. Brushing won't stop the hair from falling onto the furniture but the amount will be significantly reduced.

Personally, nothing is worse than seeing furniture filled with dog hair. If this is a problem in your household, you can buy a dog bed so that you dog has his/her own space. Another alternative would be to place a sheet on the couch in the spot where your dog will be laying or sitting.

For dealing with dog hair in your car, you can use a pet hair roller or a lint brush to remove the hair. If you take your dog for car rides often, you can place a towel or sheet over the seat so that you won’t have to remove hair from your seats each time they ride. You can also use pet lint brushes or lint rollers if your dog’s hair gets on your cloths. To repel dog hair on your clothing, a static spray can do the trick.

Frisbee Anyone?

2012-02-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Funny Friday - Puppy vs Mirror

2012-02-24T00:02:00.000-05:00

credit: RNmeansRealNice

Pet Insurance, Is It Necessary?

2012-02-23T00:07:00.000-05:00

As a pet owner, you should make sure that your dog’s healthcare is high on your priority list. Just like making a visit to the doctor, your pet should seek veterinarian care for their necessary shots and procedures. Pet insurance can be an option when you have an emergency or you are low on funds and need to seek vet care. Most of you already know that vet fees can be expensive and it increases depending on the severity of what procedure needs to be performed on your dog. Nothing is worse than seeing your dog in need of vet care and knowing that you do not have the money to get them help.

Pet plans work just like your own health insurance plans. You have premiums and various levels of health coverage to choose from. Even if you still don’t think that it is necessary for you to have insurance for your dog, you should take a look at the pet plans. Think about how much you will pay for a vet care without insurance. Compare that to how much it will cost you by calculating the premiums, deductibles and co-pay. This will help you to make a wiser decision. You can also consult your vet to make sure you are choosing the one that is right for you and your dog.

Turning Energetic And Destructive Dog Behavior Into Something Positive

2012-02-21T00:28:00.001-05:00

If you notice that your high energy dog is tearing up your yard or engaging in destructive behavior, you can try incorporating positive activities. Most dogs were bred for a job such as retrieving, hunting or herding. Since most of these dogs aren't doing the jobs that they were bred to do, they need to have an outlet for their energy. Channeling high energy into positive behavior requires a balance of encouragement and strict but reasonable reinforcement.

High energy dogs usually do well in obedience training because of their ability to learn and wanting to please their owners. They also like agility training because it involves running, jumping and climbing. If you aren’t able to put your dog in obedience or agility training, you can make up training games at home. Once you’re consistent with training and exercising you will notice that your high energy dog will be a lot calmer and only use their energy when needed.

Also, you can try taking them out for long walks. Give them a sense of purpose by putting a backpack on them with their water and favorite treats. You will develop a better relationship with your dog on these daily walks. When buying toys, you can invest in interactive toys that provide physical and mental stimulation. If you’re still having trouble after trying these steps consult your vet for further assistance.

Dog Behavior: Destructive Dogs

Funny Friday - Guilty Dog

2012-02-17T00:03:00.000-05:00

Laid Back Dogs For The Less Active Lifestyle

2012-02-16T00:38:00.000-05:00

If you have a less active lifestyle and are looking to adopt a dog, you should do your research to find the breed that is best for you. Even though dogs need daily exercise, a less active person should adopt a dog that is more reserved. If you adopt a high energy dog you will not be happy because they have more energy than you can handle. Here are some laid back dogs that might be best for you:

Bull dog
Bull Mastiff
Chihuahua
French Bulldog
Pekingese
Pug
Shih Tzu
Japanese Chin
Mastiff
Chinese Crested Dog

*This is not a full list and should only be looked at as a short guide. Feel free to name more in the comments below. Remember that all dogs have different personalities and don't always match the breed standard.

A Day With Nino

2012-02-15T00:06:00.000-05:00

Best Dog Breeds For Active Lifestyles

2012-02-14T00:46:00.000-05:00

If you’re the type of person that loves the outdoors whether you jog or hike and are looking for a dog as a partner, you need to do your research on which dog breeds best fit your lifestyle. A high energy dog would be a great partner for you. Since these dogs have a lot of energy they will definitely be able to keep up with you. Some of these dog breeds include:

Border Collie
German Shepherd
Rottweiler
German Short- Haired Pointer
Siberian Husky
American Pit Bull Terrier
Brittany
English Fox Hound
Aire Dale Terrier
Dalmatian
Miniature Pincher
Parson Russell Terrier
Pointer
Staffordshire Bull Terrier

*This is not a full list and should only be looked at as a short guide. Feel free to name more in the comments below.

Are All Dogs Created Equal?

2012-02-13T01:34:00.000-05:00

I believe that every dog should have adequate training so that they have structure in their lives. Some people like to go beyond basic training and have them execute challenging commands. Every dog has different energy levels and trainability differs from dog to dog. Also, different breeds have different things that they were bred for. The first thing that you need to do is your research on different dog breeds so that you can find one that matches your lifestyle and/or the activity or training that you want to do. Sometimes, even if you get the right breed that you want, the dog still might not live up to your expectations. The thing that needs to be understood is that dogs are just like people when it comes to levels of abilities and personalities. Like people, some dogs are better athletes than others, and some are smarter than others. You may want your dog to be the next Lassie or Rin Tin Tin but in reality most dogs just can’t do it. Don’t get me wrong, I think that every dog has potential but the fact is that every dog can’t be good at everything. You may have a hyper dog that loves to play or you may have a dog that just likes to lay around and that’s ok. Training should be fun and not a stressful time for your dog. The main thing you need to remember is to have fun when training, and just enjoy the time and bond that you have with your furry friend.

Funny Friday - Dreaming Dog

2012-02-10T00:06:00.000-05:00

credit: Marwan427

A Day In The Life Of Simba (In Pictures)

2012-02-08T00:14:00.000-05:00

Dog Behavior: The Importance of Socialization

2012-02-07T00:07:00.000-05:00

It is important that your dog gets proper socialization to ensure an emotionally stable future. What is socialization? Socialization describes how your dog learns to relate to people, other dogs, and their environment. Your dog needs to be exposed to different environments, people and dogs so that they aren’t fearful and possibly endanger themselves and others in certain situations. Nervous dogs can show signs of aggression out of fear. You may socialize your dog by letting them meet other people, dogs and exposing them to different situations. You must get permission before introducing your dog with other people. Also, the dogs that they meet should be socialized. A bad experience during socialization can cause your dog to be fearful of that situation reoccurring when they meet other dogs. Socialization can also help build your dog’s confidence because this will get them used to meeting different people and dogs in a friendly and positive environment. Socializing your dog is a lifetime dedication. You should continue to take them for daily walks so that they stay happy and experience different things.

Preventing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

2012-02-06T01:09:00.000-05:00

Like humans, dogs have emotions. Some dogs that are left alone for any period of time may display panic symptoms such as digging near doors and windows, chewing door frames and scratching in search of their owners. This destructive behavior is known as separation anxiety which sometimes develops in dogs that were removed from their mother before reaching eight weeks of age. Also, some dogs who receive an excessive amount of attention from their owners may not be able to deal with their absence.

If you are bringing a new dog into your home, you should take them around your yard and inside your house. This will get them used to their new home. You can use this time to test your dog's level of anxiety if any, by leaving them alone for about a minute to see if they stay calm. If they are quiet or start to sniff around you can increase the time you leave them alone. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, you may need to shorten their time left alone. You will have to increase and decrease their time left alone as needed until their confidence is built. You should also take them on walks before they are left alone each day so that they are able to release any excess energy. Also, you can buy them long lasting treats or interactive toys such as a Kong filled with treats. If your dog has a severe case of anxiety you might have to leave them with someone when you are away and try the steps above slowly over time. This is especially true with an older dog that has had their anxiety for an extended period of time. Catching this early is the key for being able to fix this behavior quickly. Dog's are social animals that need love and attention so if you don't plan on spending time with them you may want to rethink your decision on adopting a dog.

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Controlling Your Dog's Excessive Barking

Controlling Your Dog's Excessive Barking

2012-02-04T00:34:00.001-05:00

I’m sure you’ve heard a neighbor’s dog constantly bark, or maybe you have a problem with your own dog constantly barking? Whatever the case may be, excessive barking is a problem that can be annoying and it can also get you fined if people complain enough. Just like with any other problem behavior, the longer you allow it to go on the harder it will be to correct. With that in mind, don't be discouraged because all dogs can be put on the right track once you have patience. The goal here isn't to eliminate your dogs barking altogether, it is just to stop them from barking as much.

First, you need to figure out what is causing the excessive barking. Sometimes dogs may suffer from separation anxiety and barking is their way of expressing it. Other things that can cause your dog to bark are: they are seeking attention, bored, they get startled, and they are alerting you about something. Once you have discovered the reason behind your dog’s excessive barking, you can start the process of managing it. Here are some things you can do to get their mind off of barking: avoid leaving them by themselves for long periods of time, make sure they get lot’s of exercise and do not let them bark constantly when they are outside. When they start barking more than you think they should don't yell at them because they might interpret your yell as a bark and that will only intensify the barking. Try to use a word like "enough," or "stop." When they stop barking you can give them lots of praise to indicate that they have done the right thing. If you have made all efforts and are unsuccessful, you can contact your Vet or a professional trainer for more help.